From spices to shawls, here are the top 15 things to buy while in India!
15 must-buy souvenirs from India
India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages. It has a rich history and heritage that can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, dance, and clothing. It offers tourists a wide range of things to buy as souvenirs that make wonderful memories from your travels. But what are the best souvenirs to buy in India? Well, find out in this blog post which 15 things you should grab whilst visiting this amazing country.
1. Khadi
Khadi is a fabric that’s handwoven by people in rural areas of India. It is made from cotton or silk and has a beautiful design on it. This fabric can be used for anything from clothes to bags to curtains, so it makes a great souvenir as it can be used in everyday life!
2. Jewellery
Jewellery is another popular souvenir to buy in India. There are different types of jewellery that you can choose from, including gold and silver jewellery, as well as more traditional Indian jewellery like earrings and necklaces with beads on them.
3. Indian sweets
Indian sweets are also a great option if you’re looking for something sweet to take home with you.
4. Handicrafts:
Handicrafts in India are made with a lot of skill and dedication. The craftsmen use different techniques like embroidery, applique, appliqué, tie and dye, batik etc., to make beautiful pieces for sale.
5. Pashmina shawls
The Pashmina shawls from Ladakh are the most sought-after shawls in the world. The quality of these shawls is incomparable, and they are made of the finest cashmere wool. These shawls are so fine that they can be worn as a scarf too.
6. Indian Footwear
Traditional and ethnic Indian footwear make for great souvenirs. Juttis, commonly flat-soled have a pointed toe, and are some of the most popular Indian shoes. They are worn by both men and women and are often made of leather. They are also embroidered with colourful threads and adorned with beads or pearls.
7. Coffee
Did you know Coorg is known as the “Coffee Cup of India”? The coffee grown here in the plantations is mild, aromatic, and full-bodied. Besides being a prime exporter of both Arabica and Robusta – coffee beans, Coorg also produces the world’s most expensive coffee – ‘civet coffee’.
8. Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani painting is a tradition in the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent. The paintings are made with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks. Madhubani paintings can be characterized by their use of natural dyes and pigments, as well as their eye-catching geometrical patterns.
9. Terracotta Pottery
The Terracotta Pottery created by the tribes of Chhattisgarh is an art form that deserves global attention. Mostly inspired by nature, such as the sun, moon, and wildlife, the pottery makes for beautiful decorative pieces.
10. Indian Tea
A great way to take in the beauty of India is by visiting a tea plantation and seeing the country’s picturesque gardens for yourself. If you’re interested in tea plantations and would like to learn more about them, a stop at the terraced hills of an Indian tea plantation is a perfect way to do that.
11. Indian Spices and Masalas
There is a wide variety of spices that are indigenous to India. Spices play a pivotal role in Indian cuisine. It cannot be denied that the spices grown in India are of excellent quality. The scent is so potent that it is impossible to ignore.
12. Marble products
A speciality of Udaipur is marble products. Small figures, large sculptures, polished and made of marble are very popular among tourists. So, if you are in the vicinity of Udaipur next time, make sure you purchase something made of marble as a souvenir.
13. Incense Sticks
Incense is burned in India in the form of sticks or agarbathis as part of prayers in many Asian countries. It fills the air with a heavenly fragrance, removes odour and releases smoke that acts as a disinfectant. Incense also has a soothing effect that relaxes the mind.
14. Sandalwood Products
The South Indian city of Mysore has been producing sandalwood soap since 1916 and has a long history of sandalwood products like cosmetics and oil. The sandalwood products made here are unique and the smell is very aromatic and pleasing. This needs to be on your list of Indian souvenirs!
15. Candles
The fragrant, homemade candles from Nainital play a huge role in its tourism industry and have been a popular choice for souvenirs for a long time. After all, a candle to remind you of the fragrance and the cool breeze of Nainital is a great souvenir to take home.
The list is just endless when it comes to Incredible India. You never know what you might find interesting.